Lifeguard Training

Lifeguard Training

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training courses are offered at The Y. Take your certification anywhere in the USA or apply for a job within you own local Y! Your lifeguard certification is valid for 2 years, and you must re-certify before your certification expires or you will be required to retake the full class. We offer multiple recertification classes throughout the year.

Cost:

Y Members: $235/participant ($30 Non-Refundable Fee for Required Prerequisite Testing + $205 Lifeguard Course Fee)

Non-Members: $285/participant ($30 Non-Refundable Fee for Required Prerequisite Testing + $255 Lifeguard Course Fee)

Cost for Recertification: $100 for Y Members (Non-Refundable) / $150 for Non-Members (Non-Refundable)

Job Opportunities:

Upon successful completion of the Lifeguard course, should you choose to work at any of the YMCA of East Tennessee locations as a lifeguard, we will refund your lifeguard course fee after six months of employment.

Prerequisites:

• 15 years of age on or before the final day of the course
• All participants MUST register for and complete an in-water swimming test before registering for the full lifeguarding course. The pre-test consists of:
  • Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest.
    • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface, then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.
    • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
    • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
  • Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
    • Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
    • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out, at, or near the surface.
    • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
• All participants MUST complete online learning prior to attending the lifeguarding course. The online learning will be assigned once the swimming pre-test has been passed. If the online pre-work is not complete before the start of class, the participant will unable to attend the course. The online learning takes approximately 8 hours to complete.
• Recertification class participants will be required to complete the pre-requisite swim test listed above. For recertification, your certification cannot be expired for more than 30 days.

2025 Lifeguard Training Class Dates & Location

Register for Lifeguarding

To register for a lifeguarding class, find and register for the swimming pre-test for your desired class. After successful completion of the in-water pre-test, you will then be able to register for the full class and will be assigned online learning to complete independently prior to your class. Registration for the pre-test may be completed online, over the phone, or at the member services counter at your Y.

• Cansler Y: 865-637-9622
• Pilot Family Y: 865-690-9622
• Tennova Family YMCA: 865-922-9622
• Davis Y: 865-777-9622